Authorities release ID of hunter who was found dead in Douglas

The body of a 56-year-old local hunter who had been shot was found by other hunters in the woods off West Street yesterday morning, the first day of deer shotgun season.

The shooting death is under investigation.

The incident does not appear to be suspicious, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. The DA's office this morning identified the hunter as Winfield S. Dix of 28 Roslyn Road.

The medical examiner's office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death, according to a statement from Mr. Early's office.

The hunter's body was found about 10:30 a.m. by other hunters, who called 911. Police arrived and gathered yesterday on a dirt road off West Street that leads to a sand pit, across from a cemetery.

The death is being investigated by state police detectives assigned to the district attorney's office as well as State Police Crime Scene Services and Firearms Identification Section, state Environmental Police and Douglas police.

A spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Environmental Police said the office is investigating the death along with local police and state police attached to Mr. Early's office.